YORK, Nora Bernice “Bernie” (nee Short)

Bernie York of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at the age of 86 years.

Bernie was born near St. Louis, Saskatchewan, on the family farm, the oldest of five children. She grew up on the farm and after losing her mother at age 16, she continued to help on the farm, aiding her father with raising her younger siblings. As her sisters grew, the three girls took turns attending high school, caring for the household and doing their share of the farm work. After graduating from Hagen High School, Bernie attended and graduated from Business College in Prince Albert. She lived and worked in Melfort, where she met Eddie. They married on August 16, 1948. They made their first home here, in Prince Albert, and started a family. Barry, Karen and Darrell were all born in Prince Albert. Bernie worked hard raising their three small children.

In 1956, travelling by train, Bernie, Eddie and the kids made the adventurous move to Calgary. They bought their home in Bowness, where they lived and raised their family. In 1961, they welcomed Kevin into the family. They continued to make their home here for nearly fifty years. Bernie and Eddie enjoyed gardening. Their yard was fondly remembered for the manicured lawn, their large vegetable garden and beautiful flowers. Bernie was an extremely hard worker, who loved to cook, can and freeze fruits and vegetables and the big freezer in their garage was always well stocked. Their home was always open to family and friends. All her grandchildren enjoyed spending time at Gramma and Grampa’s, playing in the back yard, picking their favorite pop from the selection in the garage, to Gramma teaching them how to play cards.

From a young age, Bernie’s family was associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her father took the family to conventions and these became an important part of Bernie’s life. She made her decision to serve Jehovah and was baptized under ban in her early teens. She was an active member of the Bowness Congregation for many, many years. During these years, she helped several individuals come to a know Jehovah and love Him as she did. Even in declining health, her love for Jehovah, her God, and her belief in the resurrection hope continued strong.

Condolence Messages

To Barry & Karen, Claude & Karen, Darrell & Anar and your families: We want to let you know that our hearts and thoughts are with all of you at this time of great loss. We have such fond memories of times spent with your mom/gramma, such as the great corn roasts in her back yard. We want to let you know that she will always have a special place in our hearts. Love Larry & Em, Bonnie, Sherry, Holly and our families.